145. Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail, Phoenix Arizona

https://youtu.be/Ttlw3r_vzEk

If you're looking for a great workout with beautiful views, the Cholla Trail is for you. Cholla gains about 1350 feet over 1.47 miles and may not be for you if your'e afraid of heights and look out for the loose gravel. The round trip hike will take approximately 2-3 hours but really depends on your fitness level and how many times you stop to take pictures. Parking at Cholla can be less of a challenge, as you will park on Invergordon Road (aka 64th St) just south of Cholla Lane. Cholla gives the hiker a nice challenging hike with great views of Scottsdale and Phoenix and is also a great place to watch the sunrise. The first mile or so is trail hiking. However, once you reach "the saddle" the hike becomes more intense and predominantly scrambling for the final stretch. You have a better chance of seeing some wildlife on Cholla during the right time of season, ranging from Harris Antelope Squirrels, Quail, Road Runners, Hawks, Chuckwallas and the occasional rattlesnake, so be on the lookout Dogs are not allowed on the trail and please be respectful of the local residents and don't leave any trash behind. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

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I found article about the Cholla Trail as following 09/12/2022:

"Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail Now Open

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 8:00 AM

​Popular Phoenix hiking trail Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain reopened to the public on Sept. 30, 2022. The trail has been closed due to construction and a trailhead realignment, that moves the trailhead from Cholla Lane to Invergordon Road. The new trailhead will now offer hikers amenities such as a drinking fountain, restrooms and bike racks.

 

Since the closure of Cholla Trail in 2020, Park Rangers, Park Stewards and a trail contractor have completed hundreds of hours of trail work to improve the upper reaches of the trail. This work included the removal of unstable boulders, significant improvements to the trail tread and the addition of trail posts and wayfinding efforts – important safety improvements for the trail.

 

“Knowing the public interest and popularity, I'm excited for the reopening of Cholla Trail as a safer trail experience for hikers and nearby residents," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “This project is a win-win for residents and hikers alike. Yet, it is important to remember that - even with these wonderful new amenities - it is still very important to hike safely by taking the necessary precautions to avoid heat illness and hiking injuries."

 

“Our Cholla Trail is now ready to open. After an extensive public and development process we are now open as one of the best local trails in Arizona, if not in the United States. I want to personally thank local residents and hikers for their patience in the construction of Cholla Trail," Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio said. “The new trail will reduce foot traffic on Cholla Lane, as well as provide new amenities to hikers with a drinking fountain and bathroom."

 

Completing the Cholla Trail Realignment Project was a joint effort between the Parks and Recreation Department, Street Transportation Department, Phoenix Fire Department and the Town of Paradise Valley. All parties played a crucial role in making this project safe and accessible for first responders, hikers and surrounding residents.

 

What to Expect

 

Beginning Sept. 30, the trailhead will open at sunrise and close at sunset. Drinking water will be available but due to nearby residential construction, there will be no chilled water or restroom lights until power can be provided, which is expected to occur by late 2022.

 

Parking

 

Parking for Cholla Trail will continue to be along Invergordon Road which now includes dedicated spaces for rideshare services to pick-up and drop-off hikers.

 

Additionally, in preparation for the opening of Cholla Trail, the Phoenix Fire Department will be doing some staging as part of training exercises along Invergordon Road in the coming weeks.

 

Take a Hike, Do it Right

 

More than 200 hikers are rescued annually from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves. This simple checklist can help keep you from becoming a statistic. Before you hike, follow the Take a Hike, Do it Right guidelines to ensure a safe hike. Learn more at Phoenix.gov/parks/trails/"

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